Warden blames himself for Indiana prison escape

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- The superintendent of the Indiana State Prison says he takes responsibility for staff shortcomings that contributed to three inmates' escape last month.

Supt. Mark Levenhagen told lawmakers from LaPorte and Michigan City Tuesday that the inmates escaped because a handful of staff failed to follow proper procedure. He says that's his responsibility.

Three prison guards have been suspended for failing to properly supervise inmates Lance Battreal, Mark Booher and Charles Smith. The men escaped through underground utility tunnels July 12 but were later recaptured.

Levenhagen and Department of Correction Commissioner Edwin Buss say the prison will invest in technology to help secure the tunnels.